Download Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, (HFMD) sometimes
known as Coxsackie virus, is a common viral illness
particularly in children (this is not related to foot and
mouth disease associated with cattle). Symptoms of
HFMD may vary but usually it is characterized by fever,
sores in the mouth, rash with blisters, a sore throat and a
general feeling of un-wellness. One or two days after the
fever begins, sores may develop in the mouth. A rash
usually appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the
feet and occasionally on the bottom or the nappy area.
The rash can be flat or raised, and may also appear as
blisters. The rash can resemble Chicken Pox, however in
the case of HFMD the rash is not itchy and the sores are
smaller and more yellow.
Should children be excluded from their
Early Childhood Education service?
How is it spread?
• As far as you can, clean all toys and surfaces with
detergent, AND then disinfect by wiping with or
soaking in 1:100 dilute bleach. (Disinfecting toys and
general surfaces such as tables is a precaution for
outbreaks, not a ‘normal’ procedure. When you don’t
have an outbreak frequent washing with detergent is
OK).
3 – 7 days after being infected by the infection symptoms
may start to appear. Infection is spread from person to
person by direct contact with the faeces of an infected
person, nasal and throat discharges, saliva or fluid from
blisters. The infection is most easily spread in the first
week of the illness
What is the treatment?
There is no specific treatment for HFMD, although some
medications may provide relief from fever, aches, or pain
from the mouth ulcers.
The child should remain at home if they are unwell, or if
they have blisters in or around the mouth. This is
particularly important for infants and toddlers who may
dribble. The fluid inside the blisters is infectious and so
children should return only when the blisters have dried.
If there are only small numbers of blisters that can be
covered the child may return to the centre.
Suggested precautions
• Be aware of hand washing hygiene following nappy
changes, as bowel motions can be infectious for several
weeks after the initial illness.
• Encourage good hand washing procedures among all
children and teachers.
Public Health Advisors for Early Childhood Education Services
provide support and advice on a range of illnesses including practical
hygiene guidelines for special situations, letters for parents, and
guidance and support for Supervisor decisions. We can be contacted
at Regional Public Health on 04 570 9002.